Above: The Samuel Heald House at 698 Concord Street was constructed by Samuel Heald Sr. in 1743. It was the childhood home of Samuel Heald Jr. and Josiah Heald, both patriots in the Revolution. It now serves as the headquarters of the Carlisle Historical Society.
Samuel Heald was one of Carlisle most decorated Revolutionary War veterans, serving for the duration of the war. Samuel was the grandson of Carlisle pioneer John Heald who, on April 19th, 1689, commanded a militia group which marched on Boston to overthrow the corrupt colonial governor Sir Edmond Andros. It is thus no surprise that exactly eighty-six years to the day later, John’s grandson Samuel led a contingent of Carlisle minutemen in the first battle for American Independence.
Carlisle Historian Benjamin F. Heald, wrote that Reuben Brown arrived from Concord at Samuel Heald’s homestead in the early morning hours of April 19th, 1775, and instructed him to rally this company. Samuel, together with James Russell assembled their company and made haste to the North Bridge where they were among the first to confront the British.
Later, Samuel served as a Corporal in James Russell’s company in Col. Eleazer Brook’s Regiment defending Dorchester Heights in 1776. He would later serve as Lieutenant in Captain Simon Hunt’s company, in Colonel Brooks’ Regiment, stationed at White Plans NY between September and November of 1776. On February 4th, 1779, Samuel Heald was promoted to the rank of Captain and placed in command of the 7th company of the Third Middlesex County Regiment, serving under Colonel Francis Faulkner. Samuel Heald later served as Captain of a light infantry company that was part of Colonel John Jacob’s regiment. This company was stationed in Rhode Island from September through November of 1779. Samuel returned to Carlisle in 1780 right after the second district was established. He was placed in charge of recruiting residents to serve in the Continental Army.
After the war, Samuel Heald served in a variety of town elected positions including as Town Treasurer from 1780-1785.
Samuel lived in the home at 698 Concord Street that was constructed in 1744 by his father. Samuel rebuilt a portion of this farmhouse after a tragic fire in 1788 that claimed the life of both his father and one of his brothers.
In 2001, this home was purchased by a local developer who planned to demolish the farmstead and subdivide the land. The Carlisle Historical Society became concerned that this piece of colonial history would be lost forever and decided to purchase the property. Today, the Samuel Heald Farmhouse serves as the Society’s headquarters and museum.
Samuel Heald is buried in Carlisle's Green Cemetery.
Above: Samuel Heald's gravestone
